BARIATRICS

About

I am a medical doctor and Specialist in Endocrinology & Metabolism, caring for patients with diabetes, thyroid, other hormone, and weight management issues. After completing my training as an Endocrinologist in 2005 at the University of Calgary, I have had busy clinical practices in both Calgary, Alberta, and at the Royal University Hospital at the University of Saskatchewan. I spent a year on a research sabbatical at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, intensifying my interest and passion for the study and management of obesity. I'm involved in research in several areas, from lifestyle change, to innovative new ways to treat diabetes, to gastric bypass surgery.
I am passionate, enthusiastic, and driven to help conquer the stigma against obesity; educate health care professionals and the public about obesity, diabetes, and healthy living; and to help us become a healthier society!

>> Saturday, March 19, 2011

As governmental and health care organizations strive relentlessly to find new and innovative ways to battle obesity, it often seems like a bit of a David vs Goliath battle, in that one of the main combatants is the overwhelmingly wealthy and powerful commercial food industry. The retail and food giant Walmart now promises to take steps to improve the quality of the food on their shelves, as a contribution to a healthier America.

Walmart is one of the biggest grocery retailers in the US, accounting for about 15% of the American grocery industry. As a move to align itself with Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign, they have pledged to reduce sodium, sugar, and fat in their store brand products by year 2015, and plan to push their suppliers to do the same. They are also working on a front-of-package label that will identify more healthful products. It is noted that other industry players have made similar pledges, but Walmart's promised changes are particularly noteworthy in light of their substantial market share of the US grocery industry.

There is no doubt that we need the commercial food giants to be on board to help us shape a healthier society, and it is encouraging to see changes like this taking place! Perhaps in a world where there are conscientious members of the food industry on our side, and where Subway has now surpassed McDonalds as the world's largest restaurant chain, we will start to see lasting impact in our fight against obesity and related diseases.

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A HEARTFELT WELCOME!

I am excited that you have arrived at my site, and I hope you are too - consider this the first step towards a Healthier New You!! As a medical doctor, Endocrinologist, and obesity specialist, I am absolutely passionate about helping people with weight management. Though there is certainly no magic cure for obesity, there IS a successful treatment plan out there for you - it is all about understanding the elements that contribute to your personal weight struggle, and then finding the treatment plan that suits your needs and your lifestyle. The way to finding your personal solution is to learn as much as you can about obesity: how our toxic environment has shaped us into an overweight society; the diversity of contributors to obesity; and what the treatment options out there are really all about. Knowledge Is Power!!

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DISCLAIMER

Any medical discussion on this page is intended to be of a general nature only. This page is not designed to give specific medical advice. If you have a medical problem you should consult your own physician for advice specific to your own situation. Postings on this blog represent the personal opinions of Dr. Sue Pedersen. They are not representative of, or endorsed by, Alberta Health Services or C-ENDO Diabetes & Endocrinology Clinic. This site is hosted free of charge by Google's Blogger platform and is intended for residents of Canada as well as health professionals.